Committee Summary for Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/10/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB250 00:06:05.120 - 8:03:36 AM	Public Hearing	enabling local governing bodies to regulate the muzzling of dogs.	Newell, Jodi(D)[D-]2024
HB272 00:19:22.679 - 8:16:53 AM	Public Hearing	exempting certain agricultural practices from municipal noise regulation.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[A]2024
HB272 00:25:37.960 - 8:23:08 AM	Executive Session	exempting certain agricultural practices from municipal noise regulation.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[A]2024
HB250 00:26:37.679 - 8:24:08 AM	Executive Session	enabling local governing bodies to regulate the muzzling of dogs.	Newell, Jodi(D)[D-]2024
HB355 00:33:14.320 - 8:30:45 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the membership of the solid waste working group.	Ebel, Karen(D)[CT]2024
HB404 00:47:43.839 - 8:45:14 AM	Public Hearing	relative to information on the hike safe card.	Darby, Will(D)[CT]2024

HB250: Jod Newell, Representative from Cheshire 4 and Keene Support00:06:05.120 - 8:03:36 AM; Representative Newell introduced House Bill 250, which aims to enable local governing bodies to regulate muzzling requirements for dogs licensed in their municipality. She highlighted the necessity of this legislation in response to a tragic incident involving an aggressive dog in Keene, emphasizing the need for preventive measures to ensure public safety. Newell mentioned the support from the city council and the mayor, and discussed the humane aspects of using muzzles, noting that there are comfortable and humane options available. She also mentioned the amendment's purpose to tie the muzzling requirement specifically to the dog's behavior, as defined by the state's RSA, to prevent misuse of the law.
HB250: Representative Bixby Support00:13:23.920 - 8:10:54 AM; Representative Bixby discussed the amendment to HB250, which narrows the scope of the bill to apply only to vicious dogs as defined in RSA 466:31. He mentioned the concerns raised by sportsmen and the American Kennel Club about the initial bill's broadness, which could lead to breed-specific muzzling or muzzling of working dogs without cause. Bixby explained that the amendment was designed to avoid these issues while allowing municipalities to implement muzzling ordinances for vicious dogs, as existing state law already requires muzzling in certain situations.
HB272: Representative Comtois, representing Alton and Barnstead Support00:19:22.679 - 8:16:53 AM; Representative Comtois introduced House Bill 272, aimed at addressing the negative impact of noise ordinances on agriculture. He explained that some towns have shifted from quiet hours to disturbance of the peace ordinances, which still affect agricultural activities. The bill seeks to protect agricultural operations from being hindered by such ordinances, particularly during early morning or late evening hours necessary for tasks like crop spraying. Comtois emphasized the importance of supporting agriculture amidst ongoing development.
HB272: Rob Johnson, representing the New Hampshire Farm Bureau Support00:22:45.840 - 8:20:16 AM; Rob Johnson from the New Hampshire Farm Bureau supported HB272, stating that it clarifies the intent of a previous bill passed in 2023 (House Bill 252). He highlighted the necessity of agricultural activities outside traditional 9-to-5 hours due to weather-dependent tasks such as crop spraying and livestock feeding. Johnson stressed that the bill aims to prevent agricultural operations from being restricted by noise ordinances, ensuring that farming activities can continue without disruption.
HB272: Committee Vote00:25:37.960 - 8:23:08 AM; The committee voted to pass HB272, indicating their support for the bill to address noise ordinances affecting agriculture.
HB250: Committee Information Only00:26:37.679 - 8:24:08 AM; The committee discussed holding HB250 for further review, indicating a need to narrow the definition of the bill and address an underlying issue mentioned by Representative Bixby. They decided not to vote on it at the moment and planned to revisit it later.
HB355: Senator McConi Information Only00:33:14.320 - 8:30:45 AM; Senator McConi introduced House Bill 355 on behalf of Representative Evil, stating that the bill changes a member on the solid waste working group and extends the due dates for the interim and final reports.
HB355: Matt Ley, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests Support00:34:12.480 - 8:31:43 AM; Matt Ley expressed the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests' willingness to serve on the solid waste working group if the bill becomes law. He noted that while they are not experts in solid waste management, their involvement could bring an environmental perspective to the group. He highlighted the organization's role in land conservation and forestry management and their potential to collaborate with other environmental organizations like the Nature Conservancy.
HB355: Reagan Bisadette Information Only00:36:29.680 - 8:34:00 AM; Reagan Bisadette confirmed the presence of another recycling group on the board and clarified that the change in membership would not cause any issues.
HB404: Representative Werby, Hillsborough District 11, Nashua Ward 8 Support00:47:43.839 - 8:45:14 AM; Representative Werby introduced House Bill 404, which aims to expand the definition of family on the hike safe card to better align with modern family structures. He highlighted the hike safe card's role in supporting Fish and Game's search and rescue efforts and the need to increase sales through partnerships with organizations. He provided personal anecdotes to illustrate the prevalence of cohabitation and non-traditional family structures in New Hampshire. He discussed the bill with Colonel Jordan and noted the use of the term 'domestic partner' in other statutes and administrative rules.
HB404: Representative Darby, Ashland Support00:54:14.240 - 8:51:45 AM; Representative Darby discussed the amendment made to the bill based on feedback from Colonel Jordan about the definition of a domestic partner. He mentioned that the amendment clarifies it as someone sharing the same address as the purchaser. He believes this amendment will encourage more family engagement and addressed concerns about potential misuse by roommates for cost-saving, suggesting social awkwardness would deter such actions. He also emphasized the importance of not excluding grandparents from the definition of family, as many hike.
HB404: Senator Rosenwald Information Only00:55:18.800 - 8:52:49 AM; Senator Rosenwald asked about the inclusion of parents in the bill's definition of family, expressing concern that excluding them might imply they do not hike. Representative Darby responded positively to any potential changes the committee might suggest to include them.
HB404: Senator McConn Information Only00:58:05.760 - 8:55:36 AM; Senator McConn inquired about the cost of the Hike Safe Card, to which Representative Darby replied that it costs $25 individually and $35 for a family. He also discussed the revenue generated from the card, noting an increase to about $300,000 last year, and questioned the necessity of the bill given the increasing revenue, suggesting the funds might be better used for advertising and outreach.
HB404: Representative Darby, Ashland Support00:59:19.040 - 8:56:50 AM; Representative Darby responded to Senator McConn's concerns by explaining the origin of the bill from the study committee's discussions with the Granite Outdoor Alliance. He mentioned the need for increased engagement between Fish and Game and outdoor organizations to promote the Hike Safe Card. He also noted that the bill was a constituent request, indicating its grassroots support.
HB404: Noah Tereski, Nashua Ward 8 Support01:01:07.680 - 8:58:38 AM; Noah Tereski shared his personal experience that led to the proposal of the bill. He explained how he and his then-fiancée, now wife, had to purchase individual Hike Safe Cards due to the existing definition of family being limited to married couples. He argued for broadening the definition to include other family structures, which he believes would increase participation in the program, provide more resources to Fish and Game, and enhance safety and engagement on the trails.
HB404: David Walsh, Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement, New Hampshire Fish and Game Support01:04:23.520 - 9:01:54 AM; Major David Walsh from New Hampshire Fish and Game expressed support for HB404, stating that the bill cleans up language, makes it easier for people, is more inclusive, and does not deter card purchases. He highlighted the success of the Hike Safe Card, noting that it generated $390,000 in 2024 and has been increasing annually since its inception in 2015. He mentioned that for the first time in 2023, more non-residents than residents purchased the card, which he views positively due to tourism. Walsh also discussed the number of search missions and billing recommendations to the AG's office, clarifying that the majority of rescues involve individuals without a Hike Safe Card, and billing only occurs in cases of recklessness.
HB404: Senator McCi Information Only01:06:17.599 - 9:03:48 AM; Senator McCi inquired about the technical aspects of the Hike Safe Card, specifically if there is a limit on the number of people that can be assigned to a card. He suggested considering an extended family limit on the card to potentially increase revenue for the department. Major Walsh responded that the proposed bill would not negatively impact sales and that the concept of including extended family members could be feasible without expecting a net loss in sales.
HB404: Senator Rosen Information Only01:08:34.560 - 9:06:05 AM; Senator Rosen asked about the possibility of different fee schedules for non-residents versus residents and whether the department had considered this. Major Walsh mentioned that the idea had been brought up, but the department was hesitant to change the successful current model. He also confirmed that the Hike Safe Card covers more than half of the search and rescue costs and has been financially successful. Additionally, Senator Rosen inquired about the verification process for spouses on a family Hike Safe Card, to which Walsh explained the interview process and potential address checks, but stated that a marriage certificate would not be necessary.

Avard, Kevin(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Pearl, Howard (V Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[CT]2024	McConkey, Mark(R)